Storage Mat for Tent

ABSTRACT

A camp mat for a tent comprising a durable textured surface to function as a door mat, a waterproof backing to protect the camp mat when deployed on the ground and integrated storage compartments for storage of wet and soiled items outside of the tent. The storage compartment comprising selectively closable lids and also comprising handles for easy collapsing of the camp mat configuration from a flat, expanded configuration to a folded and compact configuration for transport.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/937,077, filed on Feb. 7, 2014, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Camping is a popular pastime and activity. Often times, campers will go hiking or fishing or engage in other activities where their clothing and footwear may become wet or soiled. It is often not desirable to place the wet or soiled items inside the tent cabin where the camper is sleeping. It is also often not desirable to place the wet or soiled items in a vehicle upon leaving the campsite. What is needed is a functional door mat for a tent wherein a camper can wipe their feet and remove their wet or soiled footwear and/or clothing prior to entering the tent cabin or once just inside the tent cabin. The door mat would further include storage compartments in which the wet or soiled items could be stored during the camping trip and the return trip home. This would free up interior space within the tent and would also assist in maintaining the cleanliness of the tent interior as well as the interior of the user's vehicle. The door mat and integrated storage compartments would fold up for easy transport and storage.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In an embodiment described herein, a camp mat comprises a flexible base having first and second opposing longitudinal ends and first and second layers, two storage compartments are attached to the flexible base, one at each opposing longitudinal end. Each compartment comprises four lateral panels, defining a cavity therein, the four lateral panels attached to the base and extending upward from said base. In a first position, the camp mat is in a flat expanded configuration and the compartments are spaced apart from each other. In a second collapsed position, the compartments are adjacent each other. Each compartment has a top panel for selectively controlling access to the compartment cavity, the top panel may be hingedly connected to one of the four lateral panels and may include a closure mechanism. Each compartment includes a handle, the handles of each compartment being capable of attaching to each other when said camp mat is in the second collapsed position.

In embodiments described herein, the camp mat comprises at least one storage compartment attached to the top face of a flexible base and extending upward therefrom. The storage compartment comprises at least two lateral panels defining a cavity and at least one reinforcing member for the cavity. The storage compartment further comprises a top panel for selectively controlling access to the cavity. The top panel may be hingedly connected to one of the at least two lateral panels. A closure mechanism such as a zipper may be provided to secure the top panel to the storage compartment. The camp mat also comprises a handle attached to the at least one storage compartment.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the storage mat of the present invention, shown in use outside of a tent.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the storage mat of FIG. 1, shown with phantom structural lines.

FIG. 3 shows a close up view of a storage compartment of the mat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the storage mat of FIG. 1 in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the storage mat of FIG. 1 in a partially collapsed configuration.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the storage mat of FIG. 1 in a collapsed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a camp mat 10 for a tent or shelter T. Camp mat 10 includes base 12, first storage compartment 14 and second storage compartment 16. Base 12 comprises top layer 18 and bottom layer 20. Bottom layer 20 is attached to the underside of top layer 18. Top layer 18 is preferably a carpet fabric or polyethylene fabric but it is also possible to use a natural fiber like coconut fibers as long as the material is durable and textured to assist in wiping the bottoms of footwear. Bottom layer 20 is preferably a polyethylene fabric having a polyurethane coating or other backing material having similar water proof characteristics to protect mat 10 when it is laying on the ground. Top layer 18 and bottom layer 20 are attached to each other by stitching. It is also possible for top layer and bottom layer to be attached by use of an adhesive. As shown in FIG. 2, base 12 is generally rectangular in shape to maximize the functional space available for a door mat as well as storage. It is within the scope of the invention, however for base 12 to have shapes other than rectangular such as semi-circular, oval and the like.

First storage compartment 14 is located at a first longitudinal end 12 a of base. Second storage compartment 16 is located at a second, opposing longitudinal end 12 b of base. First storage compartment 14 and second storage compartment 16 preferably have the same construction so the description herein will be made with reference to a single storage compartment but it should be understood that the same or similar construction will apply to both storage compartments 14 and 16.

First storage compartment 14 comprises front 24, back 26, first end 28 a, second end 28 b, top 30 and bottom 32. Front 24, back 26, first end 28 a and second end 28 b are connected to each other in a generally rectangular configuration as shown in FIGS. 2-4 to form upstanding perimeter 22 of storage compartment 14. Upstanding perimeter 22 is attached to bottom 32 and defines a cavity 33 therein (FIG. 2). Top 30 is hingedly attached along the upper edge of back 26 but unattached along the upper edge of first end 28 a, front 24 and second end 28 b to allow access to cavity 33 when in a first, open position and to close off access to cavity 33 when in a second, closed position. Although it is preferred that top 30 is hingedly attached to back 26 for ease of use and maximum access to cavity 33, it is within the scope of the invention for top 30 to be hingedly attached to any one of front 24, back 26, first end 28 a or second end 28 b and unattached on the remaining three sides.

Closure mechanism 34 is provided around the upper rim 22 a where top 30 abuts the upper edge of upstanding perimeter 22 but is not hingedly attached. The preferred closure mechanism 34 is a zipper, but other means knows in the industry such as hook and loop material, toggles, snaps and the like could similarly be used. If closure mechanism 34 comprises a zipper, the corners of upstanding perimeter 22 are preferably rounded to enable the zipper to function more smoothly, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, flap 36 extends around the unhinged portion of upper rim 22 a to protect closure mechanism 34 from dirt and moisture. Although is it preferred for top 30 to be hingedly connected to upstanding perimeter 22 along one side, it is also within the scope of the invention for top 30 to be completely removable from storage compartment 14 such that there are no hinged attachment points (not shown). In such case, storage compartment 14 could still have flap 36 which would extend around the entire upper rim 22 a of upstanding perimeter 22 and provide protection to closure mechanism 34. In this embodiment, closure mechanism 34 would act to retain top 30 onto upstanding perimeter 22 and would similarly extend around the entire upper rim 22 a or could include a plurality of closure mechanism spaced apart from each other around the length of upper rim 22 a. Appropriate closure mechanisms would include any closures known in the industry such as hook and loop material, snaps, magnets or the like.

Storage compartment 14 is preferably made of 150 denier poly with a polyurethane coating. Other suitable materials include nylon and 300 denier poly and materials having similar characteristics. To create upstanding perimeter 22, at least one of front 24, back 26, first end 28 a and second end 28 b preferably comprises a foam reinforcement member or other stiffener member. Appropriate materials would include a PE or PVC foam as well as plastic stiffener members. The foam or stiffeners would preferably be sewn between the faces of the fabric. It is also within the scope of the invention to include stiffener members or rods in at least one corner of upstanding perimeter 22 to provide a semi-rigid structure and maintain the height of the compartment (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, back 26 is preferably slightly taller in height than front 24, with first end 28 a and second end 28 b transitioning in height along their lengths respectively to assist in folding of mat 10 for storage and transport. It is certainly within the scope of the invention, however, for back 26 to be the same height as front 24. Additionally, although storage compartment 14 is shown in a preferred generally rectangular shape to maximize storage space and mat space, other shapes are within the scope of the invention provided the shape of storage compartment corresponds to the contour of mat 10. Mat 10 is preferably sized to fit across the front of a conventional-sized tent but no specific dimensions are required.

Storage compartment 14 includes handle 38 which is preferably a strip of webbing material such as nylon or polypropylene. Handle 38 is stitched to base 12 where front 24 abuts mat 10 but could also be secured to base 12 with adhesive. As shown in FIG. 3, handle 38 comprises a securing mechanism 40 to secure handle to storage compartment 14 when mat 10 is in the expanded configuration and in use as a tent door mat. When mat 10 is in the folded configuration for transport, the handles 38 a and 38 b can be secured to each other with mating securing mechanisms 40 such as hook and loop material.

Mat 10 further includes loops 42 a, 42 b, 42 c and 42 d located at the corners of mat 10 to allow mat 10 to be secured to the ground surface by driving stakes through the loops 42 a-42 d. Loops 42 a-42 d are preferably made of webbing material or canvas commonly used in the industry. Loops additionally may have a securing mechanism such as hook and loop material to enable loops located on opposite longitudinal ends of base 12 a, 12 b to be secured to the corresponding loop (e.g. 42 a with 42 d and 42 b with 42 c) when mat is in the collapsed and folded configuration. The securing mechanisms (not shown) function to retain the non-handled side of the storage compartments secured to each other for transport. Although not shown, mat 10 may include additional pockets, bungee cords, rings, cargo nets and other conventional organization accessories.

Storage compartments 14 and 16 are securely attached to mat 10 by stitching, although use of an adhesive could also be used. It is also within the scope of the invention for upstanding perimeter 22 to not be attached to bottom 32 and for the mat to not include a separate bottom 32 member. In this case, storage compartments 14 and 16 would be secured directly to the top layer 18 of base (not shown).

Mat 10 is useful as a door mat and as storage in a first, expanded configuration as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. When the user is ready to leave the campsite, the user grabs handles 38 a and 38 b and pulls up and inward which causes base 12 to fold as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows mat 10 in a second configuration where mat 10 is fully collapsed and folded for transport with handles 38 a, 38 b and loops 42 a, 42 d and loops 42 b, 42 c secured to each other. To deploy mat 10, handles and loops are detached from the respective handle and loop on the opposite base end 12 a, 12 b and base 12 is expanded to lay flat.

Although two similarly sized storage compartments 14 and 16 are described herein, it is within the scope of the invention for each compartment to further contain dividers or smaller compartments for additional organization and storage. It is also within the scope of the invention for mat 10 to include multiple smaller compartments in place of the single storage compartment 14.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A camp mat comprising: a flexible base having first and second opposing longitudinal ends; a first compartment defining a cavity therein and attached to base at said first longitudinal end; a second compartment defining a cavity therein and attached to base at said second longitudinal end, said second compartment spaced apart from said first compartment when said camp mat is in a first configuration and adjacent said first compartment when said camp mat is in a second configuration; a first handle attached to said first compartment; and a second handle attached to said second compartment, said first and second handles capable of attaching to each other when said camp mat is in said second configuration.
 2. The camp mat of claim 1, wherein said flexible base comprises a first layer and a second layer, and wherein at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprises a waterproof material.
 3. The camp mat of claim 1 or 2, wherein said first compartment and said second compartment each comprise at least two lateral panels and a top panel.
 4. The camp mat of claim 3, wherein said top panel of at least one of said first compartment and said second compartment is hingedly connected to one of said at least two later panels of said first compartment and said second compartment, respectively.
 5. The camp mat of claim 4, further comprising a closure mechanism for selectively controlling access to the cavity defined within at least one of said first compartment and said second compartment.
 6. The camp mat of claim 4, further comprising at least one reinforcing member located within at least one of said two lateral panels of at least one of said first compartment and said second compartment.
 7. A camp mat comprising: a flexible base having first and second opposing longitudinal ends and first and second layers; a first compartment comprising four lateral panels, defining a cavity therein, said four lateral panels attached to base at said first longitudinal end and extending upward from said base; a second compartment comprising four lateral panels, defining a cavity therein, said four lateral panels attached to base at said second longitudinal end and extending upward from said base, said second compartment spaced apart from said first compartment when said camp mat is in a first, flat configuration and adjacent said first compartment when said camp mat is in a second, folded configuration; said first compartment having a first top panel for selectively controlling access to said first compartment cavity and said second compartment having a second top panel for selectively controlling access to said second compartment cavity; a first handle attached to said first compartment and a second handle attached to said second compartment, said first and second handles capable of attaching to each other when said camp mat is in said second, folded configuration.
 8. The camp mat of claim 7, wherein said first top panel is hingedly connected to one of said first compartment four lateral panels and said second top panel is hingedly connected to one of said second compartment four lateral panels. 